I thought Fujifilm made a mistake – but after spending weeks with its latest compact camera, I added one to my wish list
I spent a few weeks with the Fujifilm X Half and, despite my original reservations, I didn't want to send it back
At first, the Fujifilm X Half seemed like an unusual and potentially misguided entry in the X-Series compact cameras. Boasting a one-inch sensor and a Film Camera mode, the X Half was met with mixed reactions, as it offered a retro camera experience at a price higher than more affordable options. However, after weeks of hands-on experience with the camera, I found myself longing to keep it in my possession rather than returning it to Fujifilm.
The X Half’s Film Camera mode proved to be a valuable asset, allowing me to lock the screen and focus on the art of photography without the distractions of digital interfaces. With a secondary screen dedicated to Film Simulations and an actual "film" advance lever, the camera embodied the retro camera trend, and its feature list may not have been as extensive as the X100VI, but it certainly paled in comparison to the simplicity of screen-free digital cameras.
The X Half's autofocus system with eye-detection autofocus, ability to take close-ups, and video capabilities further set it apart from most screen-free cameras. One of my favorite features was the inclusion of Fujifilm’s Film Simulations and several special effects, such as light leak, diffusion modes, and even double exposures.
These creative tools offered a more playful approach to digital photography compared to traditional Instax cameras, and I found myself enjoying the imperfections that these effects brought to digital images.
While I initially felt disappointed by the lack of RAW capture, my experience with the X Half revealed that I didn't miss the advanced file type as much as I had anticipated. The camera places the joy of photography above technical perfection, and it allows for the kind of imperfect moments that often create the most memorable experiences. Although the X Half may not replace my Fujifilm mirrorless kit, it serves as an ideal companion for capturing memories with creative tools beyond the capabilities of my iPhone.
The price of the X Half was a significant drawback, with an initial cost of $850 / £650 that seemed excessive given its feature list. However, the price has since dropped by $200 / £100, and occasional sales may further reduce the cost. Ultimately, after a week of using the Fujifilm X Half, I decided to add the retro camera to my wish list, despite my hesitance regarding its price.
I concluded that the X Half strikes a just-right balance between the joy of photography and photo quality, potentially making it a worthwhile addition to my gear budget.
Written by urgent.news from Digital Camera World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
